Hand Printed Linocut with Water-Based Ink on Thin Rice Paper
2024
The Process | This series was created from a carved linoleum block and printed by hand with water-based ink on rice paper to proof the design. The AP stands for artist proof. Water-based ink was rolled onto the print plate, the rice paper was placed on the linoleum plate, and rubbed with a baren.
Rice Papers are not actually made using rice or even rice plant fibers! The term "rice paper" comes from the translucent nature of the papers themselves; the paper has a translucency that is similar to a grain of rice. This paper was made from the white inner bark of the paper mulberry tree; Broussonetia papyrifera.
Each pulled print has unique imperfections that add to the overall design.
The Why | I wanted to be a ballerina when I was a child but never pursued it. I admired their strength, beauty, and grace as they passionately danced. To perform a dance en pointe is a French dance term that describes the steps of ballet that involve dancing on the toes and takes a great deal of practice.
The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria create Uli body and wall painting designs. I love the graphic, expressive yet detailed look of these designs. There are similarities in their use of simple lines and shapes but each Uli design is unique individually. I need to do more research to find the meaning of them but this is not stopping me from incorporating them into my artwork. They just look so cool!
